Showing posts with label blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogger. Show all posts

Friday, May 18, 2018

**Review** The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon


Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Paranormal
Triggers: Loss/Death

Blurb:

 I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare.Someone found him in a laundry basket at the Quick Wash, wrapped in a towel, a few hours old and close to death. They called him Baby Moses when they shared his story on the ten o’clock news – the little baby left in a basket at a dingy Laundromat, born to a crack addict and expected to have all sorts of problems. I imagined the crack baby, Moses, having a giant crack that ran down his body, like he’d been broken at birth. I knew that wasn’t what the term meant, but the image stuck in my mind. Maybe the fact that he was broken drew me to him from the start.

It all happened before I was born, and by the time I met Moses and my mom told me all about him, the story was old news and nobody wanted anything to do with him. People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids, and kids grow up to be teenagers. Nobody wants a messed up teenager.

And Moses was messed up. Moses was a law unto himself. But he was also strange and exotic and beautiful. To be with him would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Maybe I should have stayed away. Maybe I should have listened. My mother warned me. Even Moses warned me. But I didn’t stay away.

And so begins a story of pain and promise, of heartache and healing, of life and death. A story of before and after, of new beginnings and never-endings. But most of all...a love story.  

Dot's Dirty Deets

I felt that whole entire book. Honestly, I was not expecting it to be paranormal. We are discussing it in one of my Facebook book clubs (shout-out to Reading Brings Us Together) on Sunday and you all know me, not reading anything about the book, just diving right in. I was like, wait what...nooo...I do not really like paranormal or fantasy books. I do, but I don't - love hate kind of thing. But this one I loved.


I know what you're thinking, "Dot, you love everything." It's not true. I don't. I just rarely blog about the books I don't like. Like I was reading 44 Chapters About 4 Men by before this and I just couldn't get into it. I do not like everything. So, THERE!

Anyway, back to The Law of Moses.

This is my first Amy Harmon book and I will absolutely be picking up Tag's book next. I loved it! The characters. The imagery. The beauty. The hurt. The pain. The slow burn. The cool letdown. This book needs to be on your TBR. This book needs to be loaded to your kindles, bought from your bookstores and gobbled up into your mind.

Moses. Oh, Moses. You can't help but love Moses. You want Moses to win. You want Moses to get his Sugar Honey Iced Tea together. At times you want him to lose, too. I hate to admit it, but at times Georgia was just too good for Moses. But I loved Moses. I wanted Moses to win. I wanted Moses to get his Sugar Honey Iced Tea together for the sake of Georgia. I wanted him to lose, too. Moses has gifts that he won't accept. He runs from it. He runs from life. But I understood it. I could relate - not in a "I see dead people" kind of way, but in a "if people knew this about me, they would think I'm a freak" kind of way. And boy do I love relatable characters.

Georgia. She's feisty. She's young. But she knows in her heart that she is in love. With the boy who runs from everything. Especially her.

This tangled love story will have you wanting more. And the ending has you shocked. It had me shocked. It doesn't leave you wanting more in a "I need another book with these characters" way, just a "I can't put this book down" way. Drink it up with a nice glass of wine or a cold glass of iced tea if you're into non-alcoholic bevs. As long as you drink it up. Keep tissues by. I cried A LOT.

LINKS:

Goodreads



Thursday, May 17, 2018

*New Release & Review* Piece of Work by Staci Hart

POW-ReleaseBlitzcover-powPiece of Work, an all-new sexy romance from Staci Hart, is LIVE!























Marble isn’t the only thing that’s hard at this museum.
His body is as chiseled as Adonis. His lips are as sculpted as David. And his ego is the size of the Guggenheim.
You know the type—wolfish smile and the gravity of a black hole. The kind of man who sucks all the air from the room the second he enters it. My cocky boss thinks this internship was wasted on me, and he doesn’t hesitate to let me know.
But he’s wrong, and I’m going to prove it to him. If I can stay away from his devil lips, that is. Lips that cut me down and kiss me in the same breath, leaving me certain he’s on a mission to ruin my life.
And maybe my heart.

Rating: 5 Stars
 Romantic Comedy
ARC received in exchange of an honest review


Dot's Dirty Deets:

What do I say about Ms. Hart's masterpiece? It was brilliant. It was inspiring. It was moving. It was everything that I wanted and more in a book. There is nothing I love more than a woman gaining confidence and taking names while she's doing it.

Not to give away too much of the storyline, but Rin!! Yes, Rin! Yes! Way to take charge and kick ass while doing it. She is the heroine of all heroines. I could relate to her on so many levels. Always wanting to blend in with the crowd, but still sticking out like a sore thumb. Always wanting to not be noticed, but failing miserably. Rin was me in a way. And that is what made it relatable. Her friends. Everyone should have friends like her and all of them need their own stories ::COUGH::COUGH::

Court? Can I have a Court for myself? He's sexy. Assertive. Bossy. Smart. Oh, so smart. Can I please have in a wrapped up box, on display, in my room, only for my viewing pleasure. I loved his internal conflict with being with Rin. But that is all I can say. Because..spoilers.

 I laughed, I cringed, I got a little weepy, I felt this book. What drink should you drink while reading this? Something smooth. Maybe a little cognac? I don't know. I don't drink that stuff.  So, maybe? Read it! Enjoy it! Love it! 

nowlive2

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US I Amazon Universal

Add to GoodReads

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About the Staci

StaciHartStaci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Connect with Staci

Monday, November 27, 2017

*New Release/Review* Hard Core by Madison Faye





Title: Hard Core
Series: Dirty Bad Things #1
Author: Madison Faye
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 27, 2017


Dot's Rating: 4 Stars
Triggers: 18+ read



Blurb

She’s sweet, pure, and untouched, and she’s about to lose her innocence on camera. To me.

Trust me, I’m no porn star, even if I do have the equipment of one. But when the Moretti crime family comes calling to collect on a debt I owe, they want it in trade.

You see, there’s big money in dirty movies, and the more real, the better. Me? I’m already filthy, damaged goods from my time in Afghanistan.

But then I meet Rose, my “co-star”, and my whole world shatters.

She owes the Moretti’s too, but she’s too good for all of this. Too sweet, too beautiful - too innocent for this shit. And I’ll be damned if I let them steal that away from her.

It’s wrong that she’s here, but it’s also wrong that she wants me to “teach her” things. It’s worse that I want to.

But one taste of her lips, and I’m hooked. One touch of her soft skin, and I know Rose is going to be mine. Not the camera’s. Mine.

The virgin with the debt, the ex-marine with the dick, and a porno for the mob.

Welcome to Vegas, baby.


*Please note that while a connected storyline, each of the Dirty Bad Things books are completely standalone stories centered around one couple, with no cliffhangers or spoilers.

Dirty, filthy, and oh-so-sweet, with an utterly obsessed alpha hero, explosive insta-love, and enough kindle-melting steam to make you sweat. Get ready to get wrong in the right kind of way. HEA with NO CHEATING!

Dot's Deets:

This book was steamy read and only for readers over 18! The storyline moved well enough, but I just felt like it was missing something to give that 5 star rating. It was a good short read that will have you wanting to read more. Sex scenes can be awkward while reading (even writing), but this one was hot and everything I was hoping for.

The characters were a little underdeveloped for my liking, but I guess the plot didn't need it. But I just like a little more depth to my characters.

This one is a curl up with an iced cold brew and sandwich. Steamy. You'll need to cool down from it.







Purchase Links


99c for a limited time


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited






Coming Soon


Releasing December 11, 2017



Releasing January 15, 2018




Author Bio


#1 bestselling contemporary romance author Madison Faye is the dirty alter ego of the very wholesome, very normal suburban housewife behind the stories. While she might be a wife, mom, and PTA organizer on the outside, there’s nothing but hot, steamy, and raunchy fantasies brewing right beneath the surface!

Tired of keeping them hidden inside or only having them come out in the bedroom, they’re all here in the form of some wickedly hot stories. Single-minded alpha hero, sinfully taboo relationships, and wildly over-the-top scenarios. If you love it extra dirty, extra hot, and extra naughty, this is the place for you! (Just don’t tell the other PTA members you saw her here…)

Join the mailing list for author updates, special prices, and a **FREE BOOK!** http://eepurl.com/b-b5Pz



Author Links





Sunday, November 19, 2017

*Cover Reveal* Everest by S.L. Scott

 

Title: Everest

Author: S.L. Scott

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Release Date: December 7, 2017

Cover Design: Letitia Hasser

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/EverestGR


SYNOPSIS

Six foot three. Dynamic green eyes. Utterly irresistible.
Ethan Everest stole my breath the first time I saw him. He romanced me with skill, dazzled me with his charisma, and proceeded to steal my heart right after.
I might have fallen for his easy going smile the first time we met, but I fell for him the second time.
Honey-colored hair. Cherry-kissed lips. Captivatingly gorgeous.
Singer Davis was the first, and only, woman to ever intimidate me. She spoke to my heart with her wit, seduced me with her eyes, and became the only thing that made sense in a world that made none.
I let her slip through my fingers once. I won’t make that mistake twice.
Secrets broke us apart. Can a second chance bring us back together?




ABOUT S.L. SCOTT


Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She's obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she's a pro.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.slscottauthor.com/
The Scott Scoop: http://bit.ly/2TheScoop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slscottpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/slscottauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.l.scott/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/slscott1
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/SLBookbub
Amazon: http://bit.ly/SLScottAm
Book + Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/slscott
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Slscottauthor
Huffington Post Contributor Page: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sl-scott/
S.L. Scott FB Reader Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/slscottbooks
S.L. Scott GR Reader Group: http://bit.ly/SLScottGRGroup

Thursday, November 16, 2017

**New Release** On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner (Review)

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On the Way to You, an all-new emotional standalone from Kandi Steiner is LIVE!

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On the Way to You by Kandi Steiner

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publishing Date: November 16th, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Recommend: YES! Oh goodness. YES!

Triggers: so much sadness, but in a good way


What makes you happy?
That was the question Emery Reed asked me the day we met, and I couldn’t give him a single answer. I could have said my dog, or my books, or yoga — but I just stared.
And then, I got in his car.
It was crazy to take a road trip with a stranger, but after years of standing still, he was my one-way ticket to a new life, and I wasn’t going to miss it.
We shared the same space, the same car, the same hotel room — and still, we were strangers.
One day we’d be laughing, the next, we wouldn’t speak. Emery was surrounded by impenetrable walls, but I wanted in.
Discovering his journal changed everything.
I read his thoughts, words not meant for anyone’s eyes, and the more I learned about him, the harder I fell. It turned out nothing made Emery Reed happy, and I wanted to change that.
I earned his trust by violating his privacy, and as wrong as it was, it worked — until one entry revealed a darkness I never knew existed, a timer I never knew was ticking.
Suddenly, what made me happy was saving Emery from himself. I just didn’t know if I could.
OTWTY-AN-KU

Read Today!

Add to GoodReads: bit.ly/OtWtYGR
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**Dot's Deets**

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**

Some of you may have already seen my initial thoughts on this book on my facebook page. The one where I said I wanted to sit and stare at Kandi Steiner all creep-like? Yes, that one! Well, my feelings remain the same. This book! This is my top book of 2017 and once you read it, you can fight me about this!

Why was this book so amazing and received a 5 star rating plus!? Well, let me just tell you, you are in for a real treat. I cried, I laughed, I cried some more. I felt every single emotion in the Webster. I wanted to reach through my screen and hold these characters. Slap these characters. Ask them why. Tell them it would be okay. Tell them I have been there too. Then turn to Kandi and ask her if she has been watching my life for last few weeks - only to release this book and silently whisper to me "It's okay. You are not alone." Shoot man. I read this book over a week ago and goose bumps are still forming when I think about these characters.

I'm not making any sense. Or am I? The storyline is typical. Girl meets cute boy type feel. But there is so much depth and substance to this book that has you looking at page numbers praying it takes you a little while longer to gobble up their story. Kandi Steiner has this magical ability to transport you into her stories and make you feel as though the world around you isn't enough. That there is more out there; if you go out there and grab it.

"What makes you happy?"

We ask ourselves this often. Some more than others. But everything is superficial. Our family. This book. We don't really think about what really makes us happy. And when Emery was kneeling in the snow, tears mixing with the elements, I thought to myself: "What would bring me to my knees like that if I lost it?"

So, before I give away too much information about this book. Grab it. It was released today. Also, grab a box of Kleenex and have your best friend on speed dial. Make sure he/she is reading it too. You will need the support. Or call me. I'm here for you. 


About the Author:

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies). When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order.
KandiSteiner.jpg

Connect with the Author:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fV1FZW
Twitter: @KandiSteiner
Sign up for Kandi’s Newsletter here: https://goo.gl/TLsut8

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

**Cover Reveal** Taylor by Tracy Lorraine

Taylor cover reveal banner
Author: Tracy Lorraine
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Release Date: 1st November
Taylor Paperback.jpg
Blurb:
Taylor lets just about anyone into his bed, but his heart is another matter. He’s seen first hand what can happen when you love someone too much, and it isn’t something he wants to experience for himself. That is until he meets the man who finds his way in with just one simple kiss. The only problem is that man has no intention of letting Taylor close to him. Can Taylor convince the only man he’s ever truly wanted to trust him?
Caleb’s had his fair share of meaningless one-night stands. They’ve been fun but he wants to find someone to settle down with. Unfortunately, the first man who captures his interest since moving back to England is the biggest bed hopper he’s ever met. He might tell Caleb he wants more, but can Caleb see beyond his past behaviour and believe they could have a future together?
Taylor Final Cover
Pre-order:
Finish it
Goodreads:
Play it cool
New to the Angel Series?
Get started on this emotional, heartfelt and sexy series now...
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Author Bio:
Tracy Lorraine is a M/F and M/M contemporary romance author. Tracy has recently
turned thirty and lives in a cute Cotswold village in England with her husband, baby
girl and lovable but slightly crazy dog. Having always been a bookaholic with her
head stuck in her Kindle Tracy decided to try her hand at a story idea she dreamt up and hasn’t looked back since.

Monday, October 2, 2017

**Cover Reveal** A Little Too Late by Staci Hart

A Little Too Late, an all-new romantic standalone from Staci Hart is coming October 24th!

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A Little Too Late by Staci Hart

Publishing Date: October 24th, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: QuirkyBird Designs

I wasn't supposed to fall in love with the nanny.
When my wife left, she took the illusion of happiness with her, and I've been caught in a free fall ever since. For nine long months, I've been fighting to figure out how to be a single dad, how to be alone.
For nine long months, I've been failing.
When Hannah walked through the door, I took my first breath since I'd found myself on my own. She slipped into our lives effortlessly, showing me what I've been missing all these years. Because Hannah made me smile when I thought I'd packed the notion of happiness away with my wedding album.
She was only supposed to be the nanny, but she's so much more.
The day my wife left should have been the worst day of my life, but it wasn't. It was when Hannah walked away, taking my heart with her.

Preorder Today!

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2iZfozn
Amazon will be live October 24th, sign up here to get an email reminder: http://stacihartnovels.com/get-the-newsletter/

About the Author

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics. AuthorPics

Connect with Staci:


Thursday, August 17, 2017

**New Release & Review** Toying With Her by Prescott Lane

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Rating: ⛤⛤⛤⛤

 Release Date: August 17th 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Toying with Her, an all-new standalone from Prescott Lane is coming LIVE!!!

toyingwithher
No one said finding love was easy, but when you invented the world’s best selling vibrator, it’s near impossible. Yep, that’s right. That little toy hidden in your bedside table is my brain child. It’s aptly named Woman on Top. And you know what they say . . . it’s lonely at the top.
So I’m headed home to my Southern roots. It’s supposed to be an extended Summer vacation — nothing more. But Rorke Weston has other plans for me. Plans that not only involve me being on top, but also underneath him.
It’s been said you never forget your first. For me, that’s definitely true. No night has ever lived up to the one I spent with Rorke.
He’s turned into quite a man. Tan from the Southern sun, and stubborn as the day is long. And there’s nothing sweeter than the swipe of his tongue.
Rorke wants his chance. The one we never had. But that was a long time ago. When I still believed in Prince Charming and Happily Ever Afters. Even ten years later, I feel a pull. And it’s not simply Rorke yanking down my panties.
Do second chances really happen? Or is my heart simply toying with me?
TWH-AN

Read Today!

(only 99¢ for a Limited Time)
Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/G7qAFh
Release Blitz

Dot's Deets:


***ARC Received in exchange for an honest review ***

This is the first I have ever heard of Prescott Lane and I am glad I was introduced to her. A woman who invented sex toys? Right up my alley! I just don't feel like it was a page turner. I wasn't on the edge of my seat wanting more. It was well written and had complex characters, but it just didn't leave a lasting impression. I was ready to read my next book immediately. I didn't even sit down to write out my review before I forgot any juicy details. 

Don't get me wrong, it was good. Spicy. And an interesting read. But it won't be on my must read books. I mean, yeah, you should read it. But you don't have to. Yes, I recommend it. But, you get my drift. 

It is a sweet love story.

Okay, let me edit this a bit. I had a cup of coffee and I don't feel like I wrote everything that needed to be said.

This is the story of the heart wanting what it wants. Of what happens when you never really let go. It pulled at my heart strings and tugged at my emotions. Everyone needs a Rorke to fight for them. 


About the Author:

Prescott Lane is the Amazon best-selling author of Stripped Raw. She's got seven other books under her belt including: First Position, Perfectly Broken, Quiet Angel, Wrapped in Lace, Layers of Her, The Reason for Me, and The Sex Bucket List. She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and holds a degree in sociology and a MSW from Tulane University. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren't enough happily ever afters in real life. PrescottLane

Connect with the Author:

Twitter: @prescottlane1

Thursday, August 10, 2017

***REVIEW*** Palm South University Season 3 by Kandi Steiner


  • Rating: 5 out of 5 HOT ⛤
  • Recommend: Yes 
  • Release date: August 10, 2017
  • Genre: New Adult
  • Read time: 2 days 
  • Triggers: rape 
  • Book 3 of a series 
  • ARC Received in exchange for an honest review. 
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/PSU3GR
Purchase:  http://amzn.to/2vu2dLL

***Book Blurb***
Drama. Lies. Sex. 

Welcome to Palm South University. 

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in South Florida. At a school where fraternities and sororities don’t exactly play by the rules, relationships are bound to be tested. Parties and sex are definitely key ingredients in the Palm South recipe, but what happens when family issues, secret lives, and unrequited love get tossed in the mix? 

Follow Cassie, Bear, Jess, Skyler, Erin, Ashlei, and Adam as they tackle college at a small, private beach town university. Written in television drama form, each episode of this serial will pull you deeper and deeper into the world of PSU. 

Where the sun is hot and the clothes are scarce, anything can happen. 

****Dot's Deets****
Please keep in mind that my review may contain spoilers. If you have not read the first two seasons, do not pass go, you're not getting $200. Maybe $10 on a giveaway via my Facebook page HERE. Anywho, you've been warned!

I had to get this off my chest right here and right now before I picked up my next read (I said I was taking a break from signing up for reviews, but I lied). 

This one left me a little heartbroken. But after binging on all three books, I will say that this is my favorite out of the three. This one I couldn't out down. Maybe because I was so emotionally invested in these characters by book three. It's nice to see some strong POC in these books. Bear is by far my favorite and Mr. CHURCH...YESSSS! It is really funny because at the Colleen Hoover panel at Bookcon, they touched on the lack of POC in a lot of new adult and romcom books. But this was a breath of fresh air. The black guy wasn't a drug dealing, gun slinging, thug...he was a hot frat guy just trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents. We need more Bears and Brandon Churchs. So, to those writers who feel they can't identify with a POC: I understand. However, just write us as human beings. As real life feeling people as you would write someone that is not a POC. just as Kandi Steiner did in these books. It's okay. Well, to me. People can be cruel. But as someone who loves to read this genre, it's hard sometimes when your reader wants to relate on more than just an emotional aspect. Thank you Kandi. 

This book/series left me wanting more. It wasn't filled with HEAs but with realness. You could actually be like, "okay, it hurts, but it hurts good." I honestly don't know how those who didn't binge read them like me waited between books. But, now I am one of you. 

My little heart is slayed and I don't think there's any coming back from that one. I want to write to Kandi Steiner and ask her, "how dare she do this to me??" In the words of Ms. Blige: :Gas me up, get me drunk, hitthe skins and scram!!" How dare she do this to me? Now I have to wait. 

I will definitely be hung over from this one. I know I said this last time, but yes, it is a perfect summer read!

I feel like there's so much more to say. I could relate to each character in my own way. And that made me love it even more. It made me miss college and the friends I gained while being there. It made me a little sad there wasn't a sorority on campus that I could possibly relate to to join. It made me wish I was back, soaking up that Tennessee sun. It made me wish I was more outgoing and put myself out there more. But this book also made me glad I had all those experiences. I cannot wait for the next season!!

***About the Author***
Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.

An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.

When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.

Goodreads - http://bit.ly/2dqsZtd

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

The Weight of Life by Whitney Barbetti *Review*


  • Rating: 5 out of 5
  • Recommend: YEEEESSSS
  • Release Date: June 28, 2017
  • Triggers: None
  • Read Time: 2 days
  • Genre: Romance 
  • Standalone, but some characters from another book appear :)
  • Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb: (Courtesy of Goodreads):

-Mila-
“Don’t let go.” Those were my first words to him, as I hung over the side of a London bridge. The words I would soon say again, in a moment that didn’t involve bridges, but something much more fragile: my heart.

He held onto me for three weeks, in a time when I needed to be held. Needed to connect to someone who understood how loss tunneled unrepentantly through the fabric of your soul.

Although he said he'd stay, we both knew he wouldn't. I had already survived one loss—I didn't know if I'd survive another.

-Ames-
She spun into my life like a tornado of smiles and chatter and everything else I'd long avoided, with a persistence that I admired, albeit begrudgingly. She broke down each neat wall I’d constructed without even trying. Her presence alone caused me to remember what it felt like to smile, to look forward to what the day would bring.

But it was only supposed to last three weeks.

“Don’t let go,” she’d pleaded.

I’d promised her I wouldn’t—but I would. I didn't have a choice.



*****
Sooo...What did I think? HELL YES! I could not put this book down. I must admit, I walked away from Barbetti's Bleeding Hearts series hating Mila. I was just like what kind of person would...seriously?? But The Weight of Life redeemed her for me. Ames and Mila! Oh my heart. This is a must read. Add it to your Summer read! Grab this book, a box of tissues, a glass of wine (soda for you underagers) and curl up with this good book. I do not have much more to say about it than this. I loved it, I hated it and then I loved it once more. Read it. Love it.

Available for purchase on AMAZON (Free for KU members)

Monday, April 17, 2017

***New Release*** Paper Fools by Staci Hart

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In the game of love, she never loses.


Paper Fools by Staci Hart is now LIVE!!

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Title: Paper Fools

Author: Staci Hart

Cover Designer: Quirkybird Designs

Photographer: Lauren Watson Perry

Aphrodite knows love — just don’t ask her to figure out her own mess.
Rather than deal with her sticky love life, she toys with the hearts of unwitting humans. It’s a little game she plays, and the stakes are high. Lucky for her, she’s just found the perfect match.
Lex is everything Dean needs, but he can’t have her.
It doesn’t matter that her eyes speak to a long forgotten part of him, or that her art and poetry touch his shredded heart. She’s off limits — crossing that line would implode his band and everything he’s ever cared about. There’s only one option: stay away from her, no matter the cost. Even if the price is his heart.
Dean is everything Lex wants, but she can’t take the risk.
The second she meets him, she knows her heart is in danger. She’s convinced it’s only attraction that has her hung up on the dark, quiet lead singer, but with every day that passes, she knows it’s more. It’s just that she can’t put her heart on the line. She won’t — love has never been worth the sacrifice.
If only they knew they were just pawns in a much bigger game. And in the game of love, Aphrodite never loses.
*Formerly titled Deer in Headlights, Paper Fools has been rewritten and reedited just for you.*
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Read Today!

Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/SggznE
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About the Author

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics. IMG_8015

Connect with Staci:

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Revelry by Kandi Steiner

Rating: 5 out of 5
Recommendation: Heck yes!
Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 20, 2017 (like my page on fb for updates on release and other goodies Dot's Dirty Deets)
Triggers: none
Read time: 2 days
**Received an ARC for an honest review**


Blurb (Courtesy of Goodreads. Add to your TBR list HERE.):


Wren Ballard is trying to find herself.

She never expected to be divorced at twenty-seven, but now that the court date has passed, it’s official. The paperwork is final. Her feelings on it aren’t.

Spending the summer in a small mountain town outside Seattle is exactly what she needs. The peaceful scenery is a given, the cat with the croaky meow is a surprise, but the real kicker? A broody neighbor with nice arms, a strange reputation, and absolutely no interest in her.

Anderson Black is perfectly fine being lost.

He doesn’t care about the town’s new resident — he’s too busy fighting his own demons. But when he’s brought face to face with Wren, he can see her still-fresh wounds from a mile away. What he doesn’t see coming is his need to know who put them there — or his desperation to mend them.

Sometimes getting lost is the way to find yourself. Sometimes healing only adds a new scar. And sometimes the last place you expected to be is exactly where you find home.



****
You know the drill by now. If you don't want spoilers, then do not read beyond this point. Because this one was a good one and I have a lot to say!


Well, Ms. Steiner, you have gone and done it again. I do not know why I torture myself and read your books. I really don't. This one will probably be on the top of my list of books that you have written. But I still have a few to play catch-up on, so the jury is still out. But...the feelings I felt when I read this one made me want to crawl inside myself and never come out. Why? No clue. I have suffered a loss. I have not suffered a big break-up like a divorce. I haven't run away to find myself (unless you count college, but nah). I guess the book was so real to me. All too often, when reading books, you think to yourself. "Come on, not in a million years would this happen." But this probably will touch so many hearts that it is so relatable. The word that poured out onto the pages, were brilliant. Beautifully written. Extremely heartbreaking. I have never rooted for two characters to stop worrying about outside forces and be together. Ugh.

Wren, Wren, Wren. I kept thinking in my head, "Who cares?!" So what you just got a divorce months ago. So what! So what! So what! She's just going to let this man who is giving her what she wants just walk out of her life? Anderson! I was having angry anxiety. I wanted him to just be like, "Shut up and be with me." That scene right before she left and the words Momma Von spoke to her ran through her head. She felt it. I felt it. The readers will feel this! OMG. Then Kandi Steiner pulls out the Morton's, grabs my shoulders and pours onto my open heart when Beau shows up at the end. Seriously? That entire story wasn't enough? You had to add that one last knife twist to make me hurt and feel more? Thanks. Thanks a whole effing lot.

If you all can't tell by this review, I loved this book. Revelry will have you all in your feelings. I almost gave it a 4.5 because she just made me feel way too much. It is definitely a can't put down book. I was up til 1am last night finishing it. Looking at my progress at the bottom of my app, thinking, "Just one more chapter...just 5 more minutes." Well, yeah...I'm tired. But this book...just read it. Yes. Please.

Release Blitz coming soon!


Wednesday, April 12, 2017

A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart


  • Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
  • Recommend: YES!
  • Standalone Book
  • Triggers: none that I could think of...
  • Release date: 2/9/2017
  • Read time: According to Goodreads, a whole month...lol 2 days. Sigh.
Blurb (Courtesy of Goodreads - add to your tbr HERE):

Sometimes your life is split by a single decision.
I’ve spent every day of the last seven years regretting mine: he left, and I didn’t follow. A thousand letters went unanswered, my words like petals in the wind, spinning away into nothing, taking me with them.

But now he’s back.

I barely recognize the man he’s become, but I can still see a glimmer of the boy who asked me to be his forever, the boy I walked away from when I was young and afraid.

Maybe if he’d come home under better circumstances, he could speak to me without anger in his voice. Maybe if I’d said yes all those years ago, he’d look at me without the weight of rejection in his eyes. Maybe if things were different, we would have had a chance.

One regretted decision sent him away. One painful journey brought him back to me. I only wish I could keep him.

*A contemporary romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion*


******
Two in one day? Yes! I have been on a reading spree playing catch up! And I should have sat down and written this, but needless to say, Staci Hart ripped out my heart, cut it up into little pieces then lit it on fire for good measure. With that being said, read this book and click exit from my blog now or I will ruin it for you.

My heart hurt from start to finish...well, maybe not finish, but the residual hurt poured out once I finished this book. Losing a father, mentor, friend, loved one is never an easy task. Now picture yourself watching yourself losing him over the course of a few days or weeks. Seeing his life slip away from him. And then add the one person that you wished you never walked away from to the mix. WOW! Talk about a love story. Honestly, I really can't sum it up better than that. Read it. You won't be sorry. 

Purchase on Amazon here > A Thousand Letters *Free for Kindle Unlimited Members*

Suddenly Us by Marie Skye



  • Rating: 4.5 out 5 stars
  • Recommend: YES! DOUBLE YES!
  • Standalone book, but we do see some of our favorite characters from previous books. 
  • Triggers: There is an attack in a dark alley that could possibly trigger someone.
  • Release date: 4/11/2017
  • Read time: 1 day
  • Received ARC in exchange for an honest review
Blurb (courtesy of Goodreads- add to your tbr here):

Gwen
Love. Who needs that? Who would want that? Who hasn't had their heart split in two, because they were never their first option, and damn sure their second. I have. But I stayed. Why did I stay? It was love. I wanted to finally feel that I was wanted. It didn't matter if he thought I was worthless. It didn't matter if he degraded me, because he felt like it. Any love is better than no love...right?

Hawkins
Every day, I'm haunted and tormented. When, I look in the mirror I see a failure. A failure that let people that needed me down. I worry that it will happen again. If it happens to the people I care about the most, I don't think I could live with myself. Can I put my torturous past behind me and start to enjoy life? Especially now that I have a reason to live it?
******
This is where I tell you that you need to walk away from this review if you do not want this book spoiled for you. But, before you close out of it, please do me a favor and buy this. I promise, it will entertain you, pull at your heart strings and have you cursing out the characters.

So, the plot of this story, right? Hmm..where do I start? Boy meets girl, girl and boy both chase each other away and then finally find their happy ending together. But there is so much more than that. I know, it is a typical plot and a little rushed for my liking (which is why I gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars), but for what it is worth, the layers and complexity of the characters did it for me. And Marie Skye is climbing up to be a top 5 favorite author. Yes, that is pretty big, I know. And it kind of sounds weird that I gave this book a 4.5 and it is sealing her standing on my list, right? Well, I'm not to be understood. 

I just wanted a little more. What that is? I am not too sure. It took me a day to read it. So, that means I didn't want to put it down. (And NOT because my review was due!) I actually finished last night, but was too tired to type this out and needed a moment to process. Enough about me.

My new hashtag for this book is #canihaveaHawkinsplease 

Oh, layers...I love when authors write more about minor characters from other books (but only when I have read those books ha!). And I am getting the weird idea that we will see more of these folks. 

Purchase Suddenly Us on Amazon. *Free for Kindle Unlimited Members*